An old-fashioned Spring Mountain Cabernet, marked by hard tannins and a mountain concentration of primary fruit that makes it too astringent and direct to enjoy now. With massive blackberry, blueberry, cassis, dark chocolate and mineral flavors, it needs time to allow all the parts to conjoin. Give it another six years, at the very least. ——S.H.(12/31/2011)—— 93

Just a beautiful Cabernet, limpid and approachable now for the fineness of its tannins, yet ageworthy. Shows a velvety, creamy texture, with complex flavors of blackberries, black currants, chocolate and cedar. Terrific now and for at least the next six years.——S.H.(12/31/2009)—— 92

Appeals now for its dryness, elegance and lush, intricate black currant, chocolate and cedar flavors, which finish in a swirl of anise and cinnamon spice. But the tannins are so rich and refined, the wine should easily negotiate the next eight years. ——S.H.(2/1/2009)—— 92

Here’s a tough, young, tannic wine, not drinkable now, but it shows promise. Those pesky tannins lock down the blackberry flavors, making the wine taste even drier than it is. Try after 2009.——S.H.(12/15/2006)—— 87